“The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins” is a single-camera, mockumentary-style comedy where characters move through scenes that frequently acknowledge the camera. It features testimony-style cutaways that crop up between bits of action, and the cast uses asides to deliver context and even more side-splitting comedy. 

BET Current sat down with the cast: Tracy Morgan, Erika Alexander, Precious Way, and Jalyn Hall to talk about the show that chronicles Reggie Dinkins (Morgan), a former football hero, and his fall from grace. Daniel Radcliffe’s character, Arthur Tobin, is hired to make a documentary that will serve as a way for Dinkins to make the world fall back in love with him.

Redemption is the name of the game for this comedy, and Morgan knows a thing or two about that. “I got hit by a truck,” Morgan said both literally and as shorthand for the second-chance arc at the center of the series. “Eleven years ago somebody upstairs said you deserve a second chance.” Morgan was referring to the horrific car accident he experienced in 2014 that claimed the life of his friend and fellow comedian James McNair. So Morgan takes his second chance at life personally.

“I’m not taking this for granted. I get to work with some beautiful people, and I’m going all out for mines” Morgan shared, referring to his co-stars. Alexander credited Morgan, Tina Fey, Sam Means, and Robert Carlock for getting her a role in the show. “I did not have to audition; I was invited to come,” Alexander revealed. 

Alexander plays Dinkins’ ex-wife, Monica, and Morgan enthusiastically said, “That’s my ex-wife! You can believe that we were married!” She admitted that Morgan isn’t easy to be in the comedy ring with, but she’s got the chops to keep up. “He’s a prize fighter!” Alexander joked. “One thing about Tracy is, there’s no competing. What he has is God-given, and it’s blessed, gifted, genius. What you do is try to support yourself inside your own mind and say, ‘I’m here because I belong.’”

“Tracy makes everybody feel welcome,” Alexander shared. “I’ve got an easy job to be loved by someone so beautifully generous.” To which Morgan replied, “She ain’t going nowhere!”

“I’m in my bag as a mature woman to play that role,” she said, noting her character’s emotional range and the work required to make the more serious moments sit next to the show’s comedic beats. 

Hall shared that he’s learned so much from Morgan and Alexander, like being centered in your character, comedic timing, and vibing off of your scene mates. While Way said, “It’s an absolute honor to be working with these greats!” She plays Dinkins’ new and much younger wife, Brina, but she also flips that stereotype on its head. Her depth is surprising and refreshing. “Everybody makes me feel so supported in that,” Way shared.